Targeting silymarin for improved hepatoprotective activity through chitosan nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

Introduction:Silymarin is one of the best known hepatoprotective drugs, which is obtained from the seeds of Silybum marianum L., Family: Asteraceae or Compositae. The plant has traditionally been used for centuries as a natural remedy for liver and biliary tract diseases. The aim of the present investigation was to enhance the hepatoprotective activity of silymarin by incorporating it in chitosan (Ch) nanoparticles (NPs) for passive targeted delivery, thereby prolonging its retention time. Materials and Methods:Silymarin loaded NPs were prepared by ionic gelation technique, which were then optimized using a central composite design in order to minimize the particle size and maximize the drug entrapment effi ciency. The optimized formulation was evaluated for in vitro drug release study and in vitro study on Swiss Albino mice using carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) induced hepatotoxicity model. Results:In vitro dissolution studies illustrated sustained, zero order drug release from optimized formulation; also its therapeutic potential was amplifi ed during in vitro studies on Swiss Albino mice using CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity model. Conclusion:The results suggested that NPs of silymarin could successfully enhance its hepatoprotective effect by passive targeting and sustained release.

KEYWORDS

• Carbon tetrachloride
• chitosan
• hepatotoxicity
• optimized nanoparticles
• sustained release

Showing references and in-text citations exactly as published.

• DOI10.4103/2230-973X.143113Copy

RELATED ARTICLES

Matched on section and article type within this issue of IJPI.

• Article · VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4Investigation of moxifl oxacin loaded chitosan–dextran nanoparticles for topical instillation into eye: In-vitro and ex-vivo evaluationRaad A. Kaskoos · pp. 164–173Original Research ArticleSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4Formulation and evaluation of fast dissolving tablet containing domperidone ternary solid dispersionDasharath M. Patel, Sweeti P. Patel, Chhagan N. Patel · pp. 174–182Original Research ArticleSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4Role of various natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers on drug release kinetics of losartan potassium oral controlled release tabletsJ. Jayasree, S. Sivaneswari, G. Hemalatha, N. Preethi, B. Mounika, S. Vasudeva Murthy · pp. 183–188Original Research ArticleSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4Formulation and characterization of hydrochlorothiazide solid lipid microparticles based on lipid matrices of Irvingia fatChukwuma O. Agubata, Salome A. Chime, Franklin C. Kenechukwu, Ifeanyi T. Nzekwe, Godswill C. Onunkwo · pp. 189–194Original Research ArticleSame type: Article